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Kostin, Blues in talks to sign ELC; he WILL play in North America next season

In Friday’s first round of the 2017 NHL Entry draft, the St. Louis Blues selected LW/RW Russian, Klim Kostin at #31 overall. Kostin (the 31st overall selection), was acquired via trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In exchange, the Blues traded away fan favorite, Ryan Reaves. The trade also sent the Blues center, Oskar Sundqvist; a 23 year old Swede.

﻿ Klim Kostin is a dynamic, game breaking winger that can possibly develop into a center; even though, I believe he’ll be most useful on the wing. At 6’2.5, 207, Kostin has a strong stride and desire to get to the front of the net. Kostin, who was believed to be a top 10 pick in this year’s draft, slipped due to a shoulder injury that he suffered in Janurary. Not only the injury, but the “Russian factor”, as well. Meaning if Kostin has a rough start to his NHL career, he’ll notoriously go back to the KHL in the matter of no time. However, Klim Kostin is no ordinary Russian. Kostin has a high compete level. Sure, he can use some NHL coaching to help develop him defensively, but there is defensive awareness in his tool box. Also, there is a strong desire to play in North America. Notice, I said North America and not specifically NHL.

Kostin and the Blues are currently working on negotiations revolving around Kostin’s entry level contract. Once signed, Kostin will come over to North America and play either in the NHL or AHL. He’ll be given a shot to prove himself as early as next week, as he’s belived to be coming to prospect camp. Adam Kimelman, deputy managing editor of NHL.com, recently noted that Kostin said he’ll play in the NHL or AHL next season. “No junior hockey, he wants to play against older [and better] competition.” Kostin’s agent, Dan Milstein and Klim Kostin will be in St. Louis on Tuesday to meet with Blues management to work on terminating his KHL contract with Dynamo Moskva and officially signing his entry level contract. Kostin will join fellow Blues teammates, Vladimir Tarasenko and Ivan Barbashev as the 3rd former Team Russia junior captain.

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